The fall of Israel and Judah through prophets like Elijah and Elisha.
Key themes: Elisha, miracles, Naaman, siege, exile.
| Author | Unknown; possibly multiple prophetic sources |
|---|---|
| Date Written | c. 560–550 BC |
| Original Audience | Israel and Judah (compiled in exile) |
2 Kings continues the sad decline of both kingdoms toward exile. The first half centers on the ministry of Elisha — the successor of Elijah who received a double portion of his spirit — including healing Naaman the Syrian general of leprosy, raising the Shunammite woman's son, and multiplying oil for a widow. The second half records the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria in 722 BC (chapter 17) and the later fall of the southern kingdom of Judah to Babylon in 586 BC (chapter 25), with the destruction of Solomon's Temple. Sandwiched between these calamities are the reforming reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah — bright lights in the darkness. 2 Kings is a theological history: kingdoms fall not because of military weakness but because of covenantal unfaithfulness.
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